California Biographies, San Joaquin Valley
Transcribed by Peggy Hooper
This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm
Source:
History of the state of California and biographical record of the San Joaquin
Valley, California. An historical story of the state's marvelous growth from
its earliest settlement to the present time.
Prof. James Miller Guinn , A. M.
The Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago 1905
Notes: Missing Page: 865-866,983-984,1175-1176
JOHN R. TURNER. It is especially pleasing to write of a native son who has made a success of his
life, and in John R. Turner we find one who has certainly made the best of the opportunities
afforded young men in this state. Mr. Turner's birth occurred in Santa Clara county, December
8, 1871. His father, James Turner, was a native of Illinois and in 1846 crossed the plains to^
California, being among the first to make the long journey. The following three years after his
arrival here were spent in the mines and he then returned to Illinois, via the Isthmus of
Panama. Locating near the town of Galena, he engaged in farming, but after three years he
again crossed the plains to this state. Taking up his residence in Santa Clara county, he engaged
in general farming for several years, but finally removed to San Benito county. Later he
returned to Santa Clara county and took up his residence near the town of Gilroy and followed
farming until 1887, when he came to Fresno county, settling twelve miles west of Laton, where
he remained until his death. His wife bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Milliken. She was born
in Ohio and by her union with Mr. Turner became the mother of seven children, one son and
six daughters. A more complete sketch of Mrs. Turner will be found on another page of this
work.
John R. Turner was the youngest child. His common school education was supplemented by a
course in a business college in San Jose. Later he engaged in stock-raising on the home place
and in" 190 1 purchased a general merchandise store in Laton, which is one of the best paying
business ventures in this section of the county.
Since coming to Laton Mr. Turner has married Miss Belle Blanchard, who is a native of Iowa.
Mrs. Turner is one of the most popular ladies in Laton and is in no small measure responsible for
the social life of the town. In fraternal relations Mr. Turner is a member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows and the Woodmen of the World. Ever since attaining his majority he has
voted the Democratic ticket, but during the campaign of 1904 he became convinced that the
policy of the Republicans was the right one, and having the courage of his convictions, he did
not hesitate to cast his vote for that party's candidates. Mr. Turner's future appears very bright.
He has labored industriously and deserves success.